Clamping device

ABSTRACT

A clamp assembly includes a first clamp half-piece and a second clamp half-piece. In one example, the clamp half-pieces are identically shaped. In one example, each of the clamp half-pieces has at least one integral pin and at least one aperture. The first and second clamp half-pieces are pivotally connected to each other via a first snap-fit interface in which the integral pin of the first clamp half-piece snap-fits into the at least one aperture of the second clamp half-piece. The clamp assembly can also include a link arm connected to the first clamp half-piece via a second snap-fit interface. A lever arm can also be included that is pivotally connected to the link arm via a third snap-fit interface. The clamp assembly does not require separate link pins or other parts and only includes four components: the clamp half-pieces, the link arm, and the lever arm.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/361,506,filed Mar. 22, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,761,286, which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 15/343,985, filed Nov. 4, 2016, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,274,691, which application claims the benefit ofprovisional application Ser. No. 62/252,022, filed Nov. 6, 2015, andtitled “Clamping Device,” which applications are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Enclosures are commonly provided to house telecommunications equipment,for example fiber optic enclosures. Some enclosures include removablecovers that can be secured to a base by a clamp assembly.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the disclosure, a clamp assembly is disclosed. Theclamp assembly can include first and second clamp half-pieces, each ofwhich has a generally semi-circular body that extends along a curvedpath between first and second ends. The clamp half-pieces can bepivotally connected to each other at their first ends at a firstsnap-fit interface that does not include any loose pins separate fromthe first and second clamp half-pieces. The first and second clamphalf-pieces can be pivotally movable relative to one another about apivot axis located at the snap-fit interface between an openconfiguration and a closed configuration. In one aspect, the first andsecond clamp half-pieces cooperate to define a generally circular shapecentered about a central clamp axis. The first and second clamp piecescan define channels having open sides that face toward the central clampaxis when the clamp is in the closed configuration. The channels canhave transverse cross-sectional profiles that gradually narrow as thetransverse cross-sectional profiles extend from the open sides of thechannels radially outwardly from the central clamp axis.

The clamp assembly can also include a latch arrangement for drawing thesecond ends of the first and second clamp half-pieces together to moveand secure the clamp into the closed configuration. The latcharrangement can include a first latch component unitarily formed withthe second end of the second clamp half-piece. The first latch componentcan include a first over-the-center cam surface. The latch arrangementcan also include a link arm having a first end pivotally connected tothe second end of the first clamp half-piece by a second snap-fitinterface that does not include any loose pins. The latch arrangementmay further include a lever arm pivotally connected to a second end ofthe link arm by a third snap-fit interface that does not include anyloose pins. The lever arm can include a second over-the-center camsurface that engages the first over-the-center cam surface to draw thesecond ends of the first and second clamp half-pieces toward each otherand into a secured, locked configuration.

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the descriptionthat follows. These aspects can relate to individual features and tocombinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad concepts uponwhich the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a clamp assembly in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the clamp assembly shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a third perspective view of the clamp assembly shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the clamp assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a first side view of the clamp assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a second side view of the clamp assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a third side view of the clamp assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a fourth side view of the clamp assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a first perspective view of a clamp half-piece of the clampassembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a second perspective view of the clamp half-piece shown inFIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the clamp half-piece shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a first side view of the clamp half-piece shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a second side view of the clamp half-piece shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 is a third side view of the clamp half-piece shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 15 is a fourth side view of the clamp half-piece shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 16 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the clamp half-pieceshown in FIG. 9, taken along the line 16-16 in FIG. 11.

FIG. 17 is a first perspective view of a latch arm of the clamp assemblyshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 is a second perspective view of the latch arm shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a top view of the latch arm shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the lever arm shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 is a first end view of the lever arm shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 22 is a second end view of the lever arm shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a link arm of the clamp assembly shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 24 is an end view of the link arm shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a first side view of the link arm shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a second side view of the link arm shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the clamp assembly shown in FIG. 1, butin an open position.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the clamp assembly shown in FIG. 1,with the clamp assembly in a closed, fully unlatched position.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the clamp assembly shown in FIG. 1,with the clamp assembly in a closed, partially latched position.

FIG. 30 is a front cross-sectional view of the clamp assembly shown inFIG. 1, with the clamp assembly in a closed, latched position.

FIG. 31 is a side view of a telecommunications enclosure utilizing theclamp assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 32 is a front view of a second example of a clamp assembly inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the presentdisclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts. Additionally, any examplesset forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting andmerely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appendedclaims.

Referring to FIGS. 1-8, a clamp assembly 10 for a telecommunicationsenclosure is presented. One example of a telecommunications enclosure 1is shown at FIG. 31 in which the clamp assembly 10 secures a domeportion 2 to a base portion 4. The telecommunications enclosure shown atFIG. 31 is further shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,989,550 issuedon Mar. 24, 2015, the entirety of which is incorporated by referenceherein. As shown, the clamp assembly 10 is formed about a central clampaxis 12 by a pair of clamp half-pieces 20 a, 20 b (generally referred toas half-piece 20) that are pivotally connected to each other. In theembodiment shown, the clamp half-pieces are identical to each other.However, the clamp half-pieces can be non-identically shaped. Each clamphalf-piece 20 has a body 22 extending along a semi-circular curved pathbetween a first end 26 and a second end 28.

In one aspect, the clamp half-pieces 20 a, 20 b are pivotally connectedto each other at a snap-fit interface 40 proximate the second end 28.The snap-fit interface 40 allows the clamp half-pieces 20 a, 20 b torotate with respect to each other about a pivot axis 16 of the snap-fitinterface 40. The snap-fit interface 40 is formed by providing eachclamp half-piece 20 with a base 42 from which channel defining members44, 46, 48 extend to form a first channel 50 and a second channel 52.The third member 48 is provided with a first pin projection 48 a and asecond pin projection 48 b while the first and second members 44 and 46are respectively provided with apertures 44 a, 46 a. The apertures 44 a,46 a of one clamp half-piece 20 a/20 b are for receiving the pinprojections 48 a, 48 b of the other clamp half-piece 20 a, 20 b. In theembodiment shown, the pin projections 48 a, 48 b; the channel definingmembers 44, 46, 48; and the base 42 are all integrally formed as asingle component with the clamp half-piece 20, thereby removing thenecessity to have a separate pin or attachment structure for joining thetwo clamp half-pieces 20 a, 20 b together. As shown, the channeldefining member 44 is provided with a domed or mushroom shaped outersurface to add material at the location of the aperture 44 a for thepurpose of reducing stresses.

The pin projections 48 a, 48 b extend a distance further away from thethird member 48 than the dimension of space defined between the members44 and 46. To facilitate insertion of the pin projections 48 a, 48 b inthe space between the members 44 and 46, each of the members 44 and 46is also respectively provided with a slot structure 44 b, 46 b extendingfrom the apertures 44 a, 46 a in a direction away from the central axis12 and to a distal end 44 c, 46 c of the members 44, 46. As most easilyseen at FIG. 14, the slot structure 44 b is defined by a pair of sidewalls 44 d, 44 e extending from an end wall 44 f Similarly, the slotstructure 46 b is defined by a pair of side walls 46 d, 46 e extendingfrom an end wall 46 f.

The end walls 44 f, 46 f each angle towards the channel 50 as theyapproach the apertures 44 a, 46 a. As the end walls 44 f, 46 f aredisposed opposite each other, they give the slot structure a tapering ornarrowing shape in a direction towards the apertures 44 a, 46 a.Additionally, sidewalls 44 d and 44 e each angle towards each other asthey approach the apertures 44 a, 46 a while sidewalls 46 d and 46 ealso angle towards each other as they approach the apertures 44 a, 46 a.Thus, the slot structure narrows not only in the direction between theend walls 44 f and 46 f but also in the direction between walls 44 d and44 e and between walls 46 d and 46 e.

During assembly, when the pin projections 48 a, 48 b of one half-piece20 are introduced into the slot structures 44 b, 46 b of the otherhalf-piece, the pins projections 48 a, 48 b are guided by the side walls44 d/44 e and 46 d/46 e and engage against the end walls 44 f, 46 f Thedistance between the end walls 44 f, 46 f adjacent the distal end 44 c,46 c is the same or greater than the distance between the ends of thepin projections 48 a, 48 b and tapers to a distance that is less thanthe distance between the ends of the pin projections 48 a, 48 b at alocation adjacent the apertures 44 a, 46 a. Similarly, the distancebetween the sidewalls 44 d/44 e and 46 d/46 e tapers or narrows from thedistal end 44 c to a distance that is less than the width of the pinprojections 48 a, 48 b.

Due to this configuration, the members 44 and 46 gradually deflect awayfrom each other by force of the pin projections 48 a, 48 b until the pinprojections 48 a, 48 b are fully received into the apertures 44 a, 46 a.Simultaneously, the sidewalls 44 d/44 e and 46 d/46 e gradually deflect,deform, and/or compress until the pin projections 48 a, 48 b are fullyreceived into the apertures 44 a, 46 a. Once the pin projection 48 a, 48b are fully received, the members 44 and 46 snap back into their relaxedstate. In this manner, a pivotal snap-fit type connection is formedbetween the two clamp half-pieces 20 a, 20 b such that the clamp 10 canbe rotated between a closed position (FIGS. 1-8 and 28-30) and an openposition (FIG. 27). To aid in insertion, the pin projections 48 a, 48 bmay also be provided with a tapered or frustoconical shape.

In the example shown, the pin projections 48 a, 48 b have a firstsnap-fit connection in a first direction that is parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the pin projections 48 a, 48 b (i.e. axis 16) and asecond snap-fit connection in a second direction that is orthogonal tothis axis. In this manner, a pivotal double action snap-fit typeconnection is formed between the clamp half pieces 20 a, 20 b. As thesnap-fit connection between the clamp half pieces 20 a, 20 b is formedin two different directions, the force required to remove the pinprojections 48 a, 48 b from the apertures 44 a, 46 a is significantlyincreased. In some examples, the removal force achievable with thedisclosed double action snap-fit connection exceeds the materialstrength of the pin projections 48 a, 48 b and/or the clamp half-pieces20 a, 20 b.

Each of the clamp half-pieces 20 is also provided with a pair of stopmembers 54 proximate the second end 28. As shown, the stop members 54are integrally formed with the body 22. As the clamp assembly 10 ismoved into a fully opened position, the stop members 54 are brought intocontact with each other to limit any further rotation of the clamphalf-pieces 20 a, 20 b. In the embodiment shown, the stop members 54 areconfigured such that the clamp half-pieces are allowed to rotate about180 degrees, or slightly less, relative to each other from the closedposition before being prevented from further rotation towards the openposition by the stop members 54. The stop members 54 can be configuredto allow for any desired maximum opening angle, including angles lessthan 180 degrees.

As shown, each of the clamp half-pieces 20 a, 20 b is provided with alatch component 56 located proximate the first end 26. The latchcomponent 56 is formed integrally with the body 22. The latch component56 is configured to pivotally connect to a link member 80 (see FIGS.23-26) via pin projections 84 a and 84 b of a main body 82. The latchcomponent 56 is also configured to engage with a lever arm 100 pivotallyconnected to the link member 80 via pin projections 86 a, 86 b of thelink member 80. Each of these functions is separately performed on onethe half-pieces 20 a, 20 b such that the latch component 56 of one ofthe clamp half-pieces 20 a, 20 b will pivotally connect to the linkmember 80 while the latch component 56 of the other clamp half-piece 20a, 20 b will engage with the lever member 100. Taken together, the latchcomponent 56, the link arm 80, and the lever arm 100 form a latcharrangement.

The latch component 56 is provided with a first member 58 and a secondmember 60 that together define a slot or channel 62 through which a linkmember 80 can pass. The first and second members 58, 60 are eachprovided with an aperture 58 a, 60 a for receiving pins 84 a, 84 b ofthe link member 80. The latch component 56 is further provided with aslot structure 66 extending transversely through the first and secondmembers 58, 60 from a second end 56 b of the latch component 56 towardsa first end 56 a of the latch component 56 which coincides with thefirst end 26. As shown, the slot structure is defined by sidewalls 66 aand 66 b extending from an end wall 66 c in the first member 58 and bysidewalls 66 d and 66 e extending from an end wall 66 f.

The end walls 66 c, 66 f each angle towards the channel 62 as theyapproach the apertures 58 a, 60 a. As the end walls 66 c, 66 f aredisposed opposite each other, they give the slot structure 66 a taperingor narrowing shape in a direction towards the apertures 58 a, 60 a.Additionally, sidewalls 66 a and 66 b each angle towards each other asthey approach the apertures 58 a, 60 a while sidewalls 66 d and 66 ealso angle towards each other as they approach the apertures 58 a, 60 a.Thus, the slot structure 66 narrows not only in the direction betweenthe end walls 66 c and 66 f but also in the direction between walls 66 aand 66 b and between walls 66 d and 66 e.

During assembly, when the pin projections 84 a, 84 b of the link member80 are introduced into the slot structure 66, the pins projections 84 a,84 b are guided by the side walls 66 a/66 b and 66 d/66 e and engageagainst the end walls 66 c, 66 f. However, it is noted that the pinprojections 84 a, 84 b are not completely round and instead haveopposite flat sides defining a width w1 which is the same or slightlyless than a width w2 of the slot structure 66. Accordingly, the pinprojections 84 a, 84 b can only be received by the slot structure 66when the link member 80 is sufficiently aligned such that itslongitudinal axis 81 is generally parallel to the length of the slotstructure 66 (i.e. generally parallel to an axis 67 of the slotstructure 66, generally parallel to the walls 66 a/66 b/66 d/66 e, orgenerally orthogonal to axis 14).

It is additionally noted that the distance between the end walls 66 c,66 f adjacent the second end 56 b is the same or greater than thedistance between the ends of the pin projections 84 a, 84 b while thedistance between the sidewalls 66 a/66 b and 66 d/66 e adjacent thesecond end 56 b is the same or greater than the distance between theflat sides or width of the pin projections 84 a, 84 b. The distancebetween the end walls 66 c, 66 f tapers or narrows from the second end56 b to a distance that is less than the distance between the ends ofthe pin projections 84 a, 84 b at a location adjacent the apertures 58a, 60 a. Similarly, the distance between the sidewalls 66 a/66 b and 66d/66 e tapers or narrows from the second end 56 b to a distance that isless than the width of the pin projections 84 a, 84 b.

Due to the above described configuration, once the link member 80 isproperly aligned and inserted into the slot structure 66, the members 58and 60 gradually deflect away from each other until the pin projections84 a, 84 b are fully received into the apertures 58 a, 60 a.Simultaneously, the sidewalls 66 a/66 b and 66 d/66 e gradually deflect,deform, and/or compress until the pin projections 84 a, 84 b are fullyreceived into the apertures 58 a, 60 a. Once the pin projection 84 a, 84b are fully received the members 58 and 60 snap back into their relaxedstate, as do the end walls 66 a/66 b and 6 d/66 e, the link member 80becomes rotatable with respect to the clamp half-piece 20 about a pivotaxis 11.

In the example shown, the pin projections 84 a, 84 b have a firstsnap-fit connection with the slot structure 66 in a first direction thatis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pin projections 84 a, 84 b(i.e. axis 11) and a second snap-fit connection in a second directionthat is orthogonal to this axis. In this manner, a pivotal double actionsnap-fit type connection is formed between the link member 80 and thelatch structure 56 of the clamp half-piece body 22. As the snap-fitconnection between the link member 80 and the slot structure 66 isformed in two different directions, the force required to remove the pinprojections 84 a, 84 b from the apertures 58 a, 60 a is significantlyincreased. In some examples, the removal force achievable with thedisclosed double action snap-fit connection exceeds the materialstrength of the link member 80 and/or the pin projections 84 a, 84 b.

Referring to FIGS. 17 to 22, the lever arm 100 is presented in greaterdetail. As mentioned previously, the lever arm 100 is pivotallyconnected to the link arm 80. As shown, the lever arm 100 has a mainbody 102 defining a handle portion 104 and first and second members 106,108. The first member 106 and the second member 108 together define aslot or channel 110 through which the link member 80 can pass. The firstand second members 106, 108 are each provided with an aperture 106 a,108 a for receiving pins 86 a, 86 b of the link member 80. The lever armmain body 102 is shown as being formed with internal structures 103,such as ribs and spokes which allow for the shape of the lever arm 100to be created with a minimum of material while providing sufficientstructural strength.

The lever arm 100 is further provided with a slot structure 166extending transversely through the first and second members 106, 108from a bottom portion 102 a of the lever arm 100 towards a top portion102 b of the lever arm 100. As shown, the slot structure 166 is definedby sidewalls 166 a and 166 b extending from an end wall 166 c in thefirst member 106 and by sidewalls 166 d and 166 e extending from an endwall 166 f. The end walls 166 c, 166 f each angle towards the channel110 as they approach the apertures 106 a, 108 a. As the end walls 166 c,166 f are disposed opposite each other, they give the slot structure 166a tapering or narrowing shape in a direction towards the apertures 106a, 108 a. Additionally, sidewalls 166 a and 166 b each angle towardseach other as they approach the apertures 106 a, 108 a while sidewalls166 d and 166 e also angle towards each other as they approach theapertures 106 a, 108 a. Thus, the slot structure 166 narrows not only inthe direction between the end walls 166 c and 166 f but also in thedirection between walls 166 a and 166 b and between walls 166 d and 166e.

During assembly, when the pin projections 86 a, 86 b of the link member80 are introduced into the slot structure 166, the pins projections 86a, 86 b are guided by the side walls 166 a/166 b and 166 d/166 e andengage against the end walls 166 c, 166 f. However, it is noted that thepin projections 86 a, 86 b are not completely round and instead haveopposite flat sides defining a width w1 which is the same or slightlyless than a width w3 of the slot structure 166. Accordingly, the pinprojections 86 a, 86 b can only be received by the slot structure 166when the link member 80 is sufficiently aligned such that itslongitudinal axis 81 is generally parallel to the length of the slotstructure 166 (i.e. generally parallel to an average or approximate axis112 of the slot structure 166, or generally parallel to walls 166 a/166b/166 d/166 e).

It is additionally noted that the distance between the end walls 166 c,166 f adjacent the bottom portion 102 a is the same or greater than thedistance between the ends of the pin projections 86 a, 86 b while thedistance between the sidewalls 166 a/166 b and 166 d/166 e adjacent thebottom portion 102 a is the same or greater than the distance betweenthe flat sides or width of the pin projections 86 a, 86 b. The distancebetween the end walls 166 c, 166 f tapers or narrows from the bottomportion 102 a to a distance that is less than the distance between theends of the pin projections 86 a, 86 b at a location adjacent theapertures 106 a, 108 a. Similarly, the distance between the sidewalls166 a/166 b and 166 d/166 e tapers or narrows from the bottom portion102 a to a distance that is less than the width of the pin projections86 a, 86 b.

Due to the above described configuration, once the link member 80 isproperly aligned and inserted into the slot structure 166, the members106 and 108 gradually deflect away from each other until the pinprojections 86 a, 86 b are fully received into the apertures 106 a, 108a. Simultaneously, the sidewalls 166 a/166 b and 166 d/166 e graduallydeflect, deform, and/or compress until the pin projections 86 a, 86 bare fully received into the apertures 106 a, 108 a. At this point, themembers 106 and 108 snap back into their relaxed state, as do the endwalls 166 a/166 b and 166 d/166 e, and the lever arm 100 is rotatablewith respect to the link arm 80 about a pivot axis 17. In this manner, apivotal snap-fit type connection is formed between the link member 80and the lever arm 100.

In the example shown, the pin projections 86 a, 86 b have a firstsnap-fit connection with the slot structure 166 in a first directionthat is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pin projections 86 a,86 b (i.e. axis 17) and a second snap-fit connection in a seconddirection that is orthogonal to this axis. In this manner, a pivotaldouble action snap-fit type connection is formed between the link member80 and the lever arm 100. As the snap-fit connection between the linkmember 80 and the slot structure 66 is formed in two differentdirections, the force required to remove the pin projections 86 a, 86 bfrom the apertures 106 a, 108 a is significantly increased. In someexamples, the removal force achievable with the disclosed double actionsnap-fit connection exceeds the material strength of the link member 80and/or the pin projections 86 a, 86 b.

The first and second members 106, 108 of the lever arm 100 are eachfurther provided with an over-the-center cam surface 106 b, 108 bconfigured to slidably engage against a corresponding over-the-centercam surface 58 b, 60 b of the first and second member 58, 60 on thelatch component 56. The over-the-center cam surfaces allow for the leverarm 100 to be rotated about the pivot axis 17 to draw the first andsecond clamp-half pieces 20 a, 20 b together in a secured position.Referring to FIG. 28, it can be seen that the lever arm 100 is heldabove the latch component 56 such that the link arm 80 can be rotatedabout the pivot axis 11 within clamp half-piece 20 b to bring the leverarm 100 over to the clamp half-piece 20 a. FIG. 29 shows the lever arm100 having been moved in this fashion until the over-the-center camsurfaces 58 b/60 b are engaged against the over-the-center cam surfaces106 b/108 b.

From the position shown in FIG. 29, the lever arm 100 can be rotatedabout pivot axis 17 until the lever arm 100 is adjacent to the clamphalf-piece 20 a. As the lever arm 100 is rotated about pivot axis 17from the position shown in FIG. 29 to the position shown in FIGS. 1-8and 30, the distance between the pivot axes 11 and 17 is increased. Thiseffect is enabled because the over-the-center cam surfaces 106 b/108 bare each formed as an eccentric curve about the center of the apertures106 a/106 b (i.e. pivot axis 17). Accordingly, as the lever arm 100 ismoved towards the latched position, a tension force on the link arm 80is developed which draws the first ends 26 of the clamp half-pieces 20a, 20 b together.

With the lever arm 100 against the outer surface 30 of the first clamphalf-piece, the clamp assembly 10 is in a closed, latched position. Tofurther secure the clamp assembly 10 in the latched position, the leverarm 100 can be provided with a latch member 114 and a lock aperture 116while the clamp half-piece 20 a, 20 b can be provided with a securingfeature 70 having a latch aperture 72 and a lock aperture 74. Asconfigured, once the lever arm 100 is moved into the fully latchedposition, the latch member 114 snaps into the latch aperture 72 and thelock apertures 74 and 116 become aligned. Once aligned, a lock or othersecuring device can be passed through the lock apertures 74 and 116 toprevent movement of the lever arm 100 out of the latched position. Thelatch member 114 can be disengaged from the latch aperture 72 bylaterally deflecting the lever arm 100 away from the latch aperture 72.

The clamp assembly 10 can also be provided with ear structures 118located on the lever arm 100 that interact with pin projections 57located on the clamp half-pieces 20 a, 20 b. One purpose of the earstructures 118 is to provide additional reach such that an unclosedclamp assembly 10 can be drawn into the closed position where the ends26 from the two half-pieces 20 a, 20 b are a certain distance away fromeach other. The ear structures 118 and pin projections 57 also help inopening a closed clamp assembly since they provide a lever 100 thatmakes this operation easier. This type of configuration is shown anddisclosed in European Patent EP 0 824 468 B1, the entirety of which isincorporated by reference herein. In the embodiment shown, the earstructures 118 are integrally formed with the lever arm 100 while thepin projections 57 are integrally formed with the clamp half-pieces 20a, 20 b.

Referring to FIG. 30, it can be seen that the specific orientation ofthe slot structures 66 and 166 and the pin projections 84 a/84 b and 86a/86 b is such that the link arm 80 is securely held in place, evenduring periods of maximum tension. As the lever arm 100 is being movedinto the latched position, the link arm 80 is completely aligned withthe slot structure 66 (i.e. axes 67 and 81 are generally aligned) suchthat any tension on the link arm 80 will only act to draw the link arm80 further into the slot structure 66. Likewise, as the lever arm 100 isbeing moved from the unlatched position to the latched position, theaverage or approximate axis 112 of the slot structure 166 is rotatedfrom being generally aligned with the link arm axis 81 to being aboutorthogonal to the link arm axis 81. Accordingly, tension in the link arm80 is unable to generate a significant component force that would drawthe link arm 80 out of the slot structure 166.

Furthermore, the sidewalls 166 e, 166 b are shown as being provided witha curved or radiused shape. In the example shown, the sidewalls 166 e,166 b are provided with a constant radius that intersects a tangent line113 of the apertures 106 a, 108 a. This configuration is such that thepin protrusions 86 a, 86 b would have to travel (initially along tangentline 113 and against sidewalls 166 e, 166 b) away from the pinprojections 84 a, 84 b in order for the pin protrusions 86 a, 86 b tomove out of the slot structure 166. As the link arm 80 is relativelyrigid, the link arm 80 prevents such movement and thus the curvedsidewalls 166 e, 166 b add a further measure of protection against thepin projections snapping out of the apertures 106 a, 108 a.

The link arm 80 is further secured to the lever arm 100 in the latchedposition due to the pin projections 86 a, 86 b being rotated such thatthe flat sides are generally orthogonal to the sidewalls 166 a/166 b and116 d/166 e of the lever arm 100. As the outer dimension of the pinprojections 86 a, 86 b is larger than the distance w3 between thesidewalls 166 a/166 b and 116 d/166 e, the pin projections 86 a, 86 bare unable to travel through the slot structure 166. Accordingly, thelink arm 80 is prevented from separating from the lever arm 100 even ifthe snap-fit connection alone was insufficient to hold the partstogether.

As most easily seen at FIG. 11, the first end 26 of the clamp half piece20 is disposed at a slight inward angle a2 to the centerline axis 14 ofthe clamp 10. Similarly, the second end 28 is disposed at a slightinward angle a3 to the centerline axis 14. In one example, the angles a2and a3 are about 1 degree. By disposing the first and second ends 26, 28at the angles a2, a3, the ends 26/26 and 28/28 are disposed at an angleto each other when the clamp 10 is initially placed in the closedposition such that primarily only the radially outward portion of theends 26/26 and 28/28 are in contact with each other with a gap 15 (seeFIG. 30) existing at the radially inward portion (i.e. portion nearestaxis 12). As the clamp pieces 20 a, 20 b are clamped together as thelever arm 100 is drawn into a locked position, the radially inwardportion of the ends 26/26 and 28/28 are drawn towards each other toeither partially or fully close the previously existing gap such thatthe ends 26/26 and 28/28 are fully or partially flush with each other.By providing this initial gap, a self-tensioning spring-like action isachieved in which the stresses in the clamp half-pieces 20 a, 20 b aredistributed about the entire main body 22 of each half-piece 20 a, 20 b.

As can be seen at FIG. 32, the clamp half pieces 20 a, 20 b canalternatively be configured in a clamp assembly 10′ such that the firstends 26 of the half pieces 20 a, 20 b are not brought into contact witheach other as the lever arm 100 is placed into the latched position. Theclamp assembly 10′ in FIG. 32 is similar to clamp assembly 10 in everyrespect except for the provision of a whole gap 15 in the assembly 10′.This configuration completely ensures that the stress in the system willbe carried by the half pieces 20 a, 20 b. Additionally, the resultinggap 15 ensures that the natural creep occurring within the half pieces20 a, 20 b will be automatically compensated as the lever arm 100 andlink arm 80 will continue to exert a closing force onto the half pieces20 a, 20 b. It is noted that the feature of providing a partial or fullyformed gap 15 is not limited to use with the clamp of the embodimentshown and can be used with other clamp designs, for example clampassemblies that are assembled together with separate pins.

In one aspect, the body 22 defines an outer surface 30 that extendsaround an interior channel 32. The outer surface 30 is shown as having acurved or radiused transverse cross-sectional shape, but may be providedwith other shapes as well, such as a rectangular or squarecross-sectional shape. In the embodiment shown, the bottom portion 102 aof the lever arm 100 is provided with a complementarily shaped concavecurved surface such that the bottom portion 102 a closely follows theconvex curved shape of the outer surface 30 in both directions. Thus,the lever arm 100 bottom portion 102 a is curved from front-to-back tomatch the longitudinal arc of the body 22 (i.e. the major dimension ofthe body 22) and is curved from side-to-side to match the transversecurvature of the body 22 (i.e. the minor dimension of the body 22). Thecombination of the rounded outer surface 30 and the corresponding curvedsurface of the lever arm bottom portion 102 a allows for a more compactarrangement and also allows for material reduction in the design of theclamp assembly 10. This configuration also allows for a more ergonomichandle for an installer to grasp.

As most easily seen at the cross-sectional view of FIG. 16, the interiorchannel 32 of the body 20 is defined by a pair of sidewalls 34, 36extending from an end wall 38. As shown, the sidewalls 34, 36 are formedat an angle a1 to the end wall 38. As shown, the angle a1 is an obtuseangle, for example about 94 degrees. The angle a1 is provided such thatthe channel 32 has a transverse cross-sectional profile that graduallynarrows as the transverse cross-sectional profile extends from the openside of the channel 32 radially outwardly from the central clamp axis12. By providing a channel 32 with narrowing or tapering sidewalls 34,36, the clamp 10 is able to exert a greater and greater closing forceonto the flanges of the enclosure as the clamp 10 is moved from the openposition and secured into the closed position. This feature also allowsfor a wider acceptance area of the clamped components when they areinitially introduced into the channel 32.

Various modifications and alterations of this disclosure will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scopeand spirit of this disclosure, and it should be understood that thescope of this disclosure is not to be unduly limited to the illustrativeembodiments set forth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A clamp assembly comprising: a) a first clamphalf-piece having a generally semi-circular body that extends along acurved path between first and second ends; and b) a second clamphalf-piece having a generally semi-circular body that extends along acurved path between first and second ends; c) wherein the first clamphalf-piece is pivotally connected to the second clamp half-piece with apin structure received into a tapered slot structure extending into anaperture, wherein the pin structure is received through the tapered slotstructure and into the aperture such that the pin structure and apertureare coaxially aligned along a common axis.
 2. The clamp assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the pin structure includes at least one pin integrallyformed on each of the first and second clamp half-pieces and theaperture includes at least one aperture integrally formed on each of thefirst and second clamp half-pieces.
 3. The clamp assembly of claim 1,further comprising: a) a link arm pivotally connected to the first clamphalf-piece; and b) a lever arm pivotally connected to the link arm, thelever arm being configured to retain the first and second clamphalf-pieces in a closed position.
 4. The clamp assembly of claim 3,wherein the first and second clamp half-pieces include outer surfacesthat curve in convex curvatures along major dimensions and also curve inconvex curvatures along minor dimensions, and wherein the lever arm hasa bottom surface that includes concave curvatures to cooperate with theconvex curvatures of the first and second clamp half-pieces.
 5. Theclamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second clamphalf-pieces are identically shaped.
 6. A clamp assembly comprising: a) afirst clamp half-piece having a generally semi-circular body thatextends along a curved path between first and second ends; and b) asecond clamp half-piece having a generally semi-circular body thatextends along a curved path between first and second ends, the secondclamp half-piece being pivotally connected to the first clamp half-piecevia a first snap-fit connection, wherein the first snap-fit connectionincludes at least one pin integrally formed on each of the first andsecond clamp half-pieces and at least one aperture integrally formed oneach of the first and second clamp half-pieces.
 7. The clamp assembly ofclaim 6, further including: a) a closure assembly joining the secondends of the first and second clamp half-pieces together, the closureassembly being mounted to one of the first and second clamp half-piecesvia a second snap-fit connection, wherein each of the first and secondclamp half-pieces are configured to provide the second snap-fitconnection such that the closure assembly can be selectively mounted oneither of the first and second clamp half-pieces.
 8. The clamp assemblyof claim 6, further comprising: a) a link arm pivotally connected to thefirst clamp half-piece; and b) a lever arm pivotally connected to thelink arm, the lever arm being configured to retain the first and secondclamp half-pieces in a closed position.
 9. The clamp assembly of claim8, wherein the first and second clamp half-pieces include outer surfacesthat curve in convex curvatures along major dimensions and also curve inconvex curvatures along minor dimensions, and wherein the lever arm hasa bottom surface that includes concave curvatures to cooperate with theconvex curvatures of the first and second clamp half-pieces.
 10. A clampassembly comprising: a) a first clamp half-piece having a generallysemi-circular body that extends along a curved path between first andsecond ends; and b) a second clamp half-piece having a generallysemi-circular body that extends along a curved path between first andsecond ends, the second clamp half-piece being connected to the firstclamp half-piece; c) wherein the first and second clamp half-pieces eachinclude an outer surface having a curved transverse cross-sectionalshape.
 11. The clamp assembly of claim 10, wherein the first and secondclamp half-pieces are connected together with a snap-fit typeconnection.
 12. The clamp assembly of claim 10, further comprising: a) aclosure assembly joining the second ends of the first and second clamphalf-pieces together.
 13. The clamp assembly of claim 12, wherein theclosure assembly is rotatably mounted to one of the first and secondclamp half-pieces via a snap-fit type connection.
 14. The clamp assemblyof claim 12, wherein the closure assembly includes a lever arm having abottom surface that includes concave curvatures to cooperate with convexcurvatures of the first and second clamp half-pieces.
 15. The clampassembly of claim 11, wherein the snap-fit type connection includes apin structure and a tapered slot structure extending into an aperture,wherein the pin structure is received through the tapered slot structureand into the aperture such that the pin structure and aperture arecoaxially aligned along a common axis.
 16. The clamp assembly of claim11, wherein the snap-fit type connection includes at least one pinintegrally formed on each of the first and second clamp half-pieces andat least one aperture integrally formed on each of the first and secondclamp half-pieces.
 17. The clamp assembly of claim 12, wherein the firstand second clamp half-pieces and the closure assembly are formed fromthe same material.